The strong winds brought down trees and the deluge of rain made driving conditions difficult for motorists.

There was spectacular lightning and claps of thunder as the storm hit most parts of the two counties at tea-time.

Train services were suspended in some parts for a while during the worst of the storm.

Suffolk police were “inundated” with calls of trees blocking roads across the county adding minutes to journeys or stopping them all together.

Trees came down in Westerfield Road, Ipswich as well as on the A12 and B125 at Blythburgh.

It is understood no serious accidents were caused by the storm but one driver was lucky when their car hit a tree on the A1120 in Peasenhall but is believed to have suffered no injuries.

Teams from Suffolk County Council’s Highways teams have been working to clear the impassable roads.

Trains have been delayed for hours on the main line to Ipswich because of a tree obstructing the overhead line between Ingatestone and Chelmsford.

Train services towards Shenfield, Witham, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich have been subject to delay, short notice alteration and cancellation.

Travellers were advised train services had been terminated and started at Witham and Colchester. Marks Tey to Sudbury services were suspended and a rail replacement bus had been operating between Marks Tey and Sudbury and between Shenfield and Witham.